Polycomb repressive complex 2 in stem cells and cancer

Adrian Bracken, from the Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms of stem cell differentiation and cellular senescence, while also identifying novel molecular targets for cancer therapy. To this end, he has identified and is currently studying the function of several 'Epigenetic' regulators involved in controlling these processes. His central hypothesis is that the deregulation of the function of a set of Polycomb group proteins during cell fate decisions is central to tumour initiation. He is currently experimentally addressing this hypothesis, as well as investigating novel interactions between Polycomb group proteins and other chromatin regulators and DNA binding transcription factors involved in cell fate decisions. The goal is that this research will lead to breakthroughs in understanding of stem cell biology as well as cancer. He has been invited by Luciano di Croce (CRG).